i think it would be more profitable to bring more Opel cars to America.

The thing is, when you would bring so many designs over, you may be better off bringing the whole brand over. . But i dont think they will sell Vans under the saturn name. In anything (in theroy) they would bring over their vans in GMC or Chevy form, like Daimler and the Sprinter.Attachment 153317

Yeah I see what you mean, after reading this story featuring an Opel Van.
I wonder if it was a diesel one.

Im not sure, but our car (E320CDI) used diesel, and there seems to be plenty of gas stations with diesel, most Quicktrips and Shells do. Also i think that the better gas mileage is worth the premium in fuel. Not too long ago, diesel was equal to unleded (no to mention MBs take premium). Ive looked around, and someone correct me if im wrong, but diesel is more expencive becouse of tight supplies due to the small amount imported.

Plus Gas mileage is just that much better. (E350 16/21, E320 Bluetec, 23/32) In europe, most cars are small cars, geting 30+ mpg, some with small engines (C200 averaging roughly 40 mpg). I think that even though americans may feel like truckers filling up at the pump, diesel is more economical.

Oh, and ya, Schumi owns. That is one luckey barvarian cabby. A highlight of his life.

I don't think US is ready for smaller cars yet.
"The Caddy that zigs" Cadillac Cattera, what is originally Opel never made it big on this market.
Opel diesels are quite popular in Easter Europe. Cheaper than MB, reliable, economical.
Than it was the Opel who beat several speed records with it's 90 mpg sport diesel car several years ago. Don't think that prototype ever went into production.

I think the US is doing pretty well moving toward smaller cars. There is a very big disconnect between the SUV crowd that feels bigger is better, safer, whatever and the normal car buyer but the newer cars that I see daily are getting smaller.

Look at Kia, Suzuki, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, VW, and even the Bimmer and MB 3 and C. MOST of these cars what we would consider small. And they make up the majority of the car purchases in the US.

Of the Top Ten Vehicles sold in the US in 2006, 7 were cars and the only one not a compact or smaller was the Chevy Impala. The Top Ten represent 3,921,910 new vehicles sold last year. And 1.9M were compact [Camry, Accord, Altima] or smaller [Civic, Cobalt, Corolla]. Truck sales covered 1.7M and was for work, delivery and upscale trucks [F-Series, Silverado, Ram].

So I think the US is ready for smaller cars, they just have to be of quality and that is something that is perceived missing in American made cars. Having driven a 2007 Caddy STS for a bit [2500 miles] earlier this year I think they have quality, comfort and amenities up with just about anything on the road. At 28mpg highway it got better than my S500 gets on roadtrips at 80.

McBear, Kentucky

Being smart is knowing the difference, in a sticky situation between a well delivered anecdote and a well delivered antidote - bear.

I think America simply must migrate tward smaller cars. Like in many parts of Europe, gas in America will continue to increase so much that only thoes with considerable disposable income will be able to own SUVs. I would like to see a higher tax on personal vehicles over x lbs. Take that, toyota land cruser. Im not hugely aginst SUVs, but i feel that they are wasteful if you are not towing your big boat all the time, not a soccer mom going to the salon.

So, back to begining. Opel makes good, fuel efficent small cars that should be sold in America.